69 Naval commanders fired since 2010

[RyeJim]

Recently there have been a number of submarine commanders fired while their boats have been refitted at the Portsmouth NH Naval Ship yard.  That apparently has prompted the attached article which suggests that times have changed for Navy COs.  Being a naval commander was never an easy job but according to this article in today's world it has gotten even harder.  Any thought about this?   http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130203-NEWS-302030345

[RyeJim]

Some time ago I read "Sea of Thunder" by Evan Thomas. It featured the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Bull Halsey Thomas described was a womanizing, hard drinking curmudgon who had no use for non drinkers.  He was somewhat typical of WWII fleet commanders in the Pacific.  Apparently he could never make it in today's Navy. --Hooyah to both your sons.

[JDad]

RyeJim: Just finished reading Thomas E. Ricks' book entitled The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today--while it is primarily concerned with leadership in the US Army, much seems relevant to naval leadership, too. I have sent a copy to our LCDR son and will forward my own copy to our other Navy son recovering from BUD/S-related injury at Coronado.